Ann, It's quite interesting you mentioned gamer technology because I was quite intrigue with the solider operating the iRobot Packbot using a game controller. Also, wearable devices are quite big with the military as shown in the video with a heads-up display system embedded with the sunglasses. Cool video!

Jim_E, we've written about a few robots controlled by iPads, such as the Parrot AR. Drone 2.0:http://www.designnews.com/author.asp?section_id=1392&doc_id=238273A surprising number of military robots are being designed using platforms based on OTS hobbyist or gamer technology.

Cabe, This article just illustrates how disruptive tech can open opportunities for future employment. With proper technical training, the field of robotics can create future jobs. Those who wish not to be retrain and complain about being unemployed have made their own bed to rest in. Great article!!

warren@fourward.com, I agree It is a tough call but Cabe's article provides motivation and inspiration to return to school an receive training in robotics and electromechanics tech fields. I'm inspired as well as motivated because I can share the slides and video with my ITT Tech Students about jobs in the technology field of robotics and electromechanics. I'm truly pumped up about this article and video!

A few weeks ago, Ford Motor Co. quietly announced that it was rolling out a new wrinkle to the powerful safety feature called stability control, adding even more lifesaving potential to a technology that has already been very successful.

It won't be too much longer and hardware design, as we used to know it, will be remembered alongside the slide rule and the Karnaugh map. You will need to move beyond those familiar bits and bytes into the new world of software centric design.

People who want to take advantage of solar energy in their homes no longer need to install a bolt-on solar-panel system atop their houses -- they can integrate solar-energy-harvesting shingles directing into an existing or new roof instead.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.